*****URBAN TASKFORCE ********** helping to steer URBAN development in Australia – and thus continuing the fragmentation of biodiverse areas in the coastal developments of NE NSW and SE QLD at the expense of future generations’ well being. (09.10.2009)

Species Profile and Threats Database : – SPRAT – Australian species and ecological communities listed under Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. species /community descriptions, population and distribution, habitat, movements, feeding, reproduction and taxonomic comments are included by searching this page.

Animal Law Centre :- nice animal advocacy site – giving an overview of Animal Law in Australia – references and links to Australian and State legislation. Includes animal law and the Australian Constitution, enforcements and threatened species laws in Australian States

NEW SOUTH WALES

“A preliminary investigation of the distribution of koalas and their potential habitat in the Tweed Shire, and implications for management” by Judy Faulks . Find article at – Australian Zoologist, June 1991 Vol. 27(1 & 2)

Current Biosphere Information in the Mt Warning Caldera Region – Wollumbin Biosphere Reserve Project – a regional initiative by the Caldera Environment Centre and The Sustainability Research Institute, with support from regional environmental groups, local NE NSW Councils & Australian Government. More information on the Wollumbin Biosphere Reserve at bigvolcano.com.au .

The Big Scrub Environment Centre – this site has a DIRECTORY for Environmental Organisations in the Northern Rivers (NE NSW) area. They have information about BIODIVERSITY and what you can do in your local area to help maintain and increase biodiversity.

Australian Science Teachers Association – ASTA – promoting Science teaching, this site has educational resources for Science learning for all ages, including a “2010 Resource WEB.pdf” that is a resource book of ideas for teachers – Australian Biodiversity – 2010.

Australian Forests -” The National Forestry Education and Awareness Network reports to the Federal Government and consists of the State- based forest educators involved in the development and delivery of teaching and learning programs and resources for teachers and students. ” Australian Forests, sustainability, industries, management, education

In memory of Ric Nattrass : – Ric Nattrass spent a lifetime inspiring and working with people to create a better world. His understanding of nature, wildlife and the wonder of biodiversity has inspired generations of Australians. His service to humanity, nature, and the world’s well being, through his work, will be greatly missed by all of those, whose hearts he touched with his light and wisdom. Some more links for Ric can be found here:-

Who was Lloyd Bird ? find out more about this most amazing botanist, whose work with flora of the SE Region of Queensland led to new plant species being discovered, conservation programs being implemented, developments incorporating wildlife and native vegetation corridors and much much more. Sadly, Lloyd passed away in the beginning of September 2009, but his work will inspire and guide others for generations to come.

I wrote the above poem about PK (Phantom Koala) and the Planner to try to describe how environmentally sustainable development and biodiversity can begin to go together, but only if all of the native wildlife are considered first and foremost, only if wildlife environmental(eg their life quality, ecology and ecosystems etc) requirements are considered as the main, first, foremost, and all encompassing parameters.

You see, development for infrastructure, urban expansion, mining and agriculture currently is based on personal money(power) and political motive. We are fooling ourselves and others, if we think that this will lead to a better future world for our children and for life , in general, all over our beautiful blue planet. Walk gently, my friends – Al Polistchuk